(28) `lane or motorway` means a carriageway or motorway which is divided into two or more lanes clearly marked for vehicular traffic. (54) `railway train` means a steam or diesel engine, with or without wagon coupled to it, running on rails, with the exception of trams. (80) `transit road` means any motorway or part of a motorway on which motor traffic has a right of way and at the entrance to which traffic of vehicles from intersecting motorways is legally required to give way to vehicles travelling in such a lane in obedience to a stop sign or a landing sign; where such signs are established in accordance with this Chapter. To drive on the road, you need to know many laws to drive safely and legally. While there are many common sense laws that are the same from state to state, there are other laws that may not be. While you may be familiar with the laws of your own state if you`re thinking of moving to Louisiana or visiting Louisiana, you need to know the laws that may be different from what you`re used to following. Below are the driving rules for Louisiana drivers, which may differ from those in your home state. 4.1. `bicycle equipment` means any physical device intended for the exclusive or partial use of bicycles. This includes, but is not limited to, unmarked shared roads, marked shared roads, bike paths, shared use trails, and end-of-trip facilities. (23) `height` means the total vertical dimension of a vehicle above the ground surface, including any loading and unloading device on it.
4.2. `cycle path` means the part of the road adjacent to the lane and identified by official signs or markings for the privileged or exclusive use of users of bicycles and electromobility aids. Railways – It is illegal to stop on railway tracks while waiting for traffic lights or other traffic. (47) `road structure` means the combination of the substructure, the base course and the carriageway, which is laid out on underground soil in order to support the traffic load and distribute it on the road bed. (94) `width` means the entire external transverse dimension of a vehicle, including any device for loading, loading or holding it, excluding approved safety features and tyre bulges due to loads. (60) `rotating traffic island` means any circular land area surrounded by a motorway or carriageway intended to prevent traffic from crossing four or more motorways that otherwise intersect in order to require that all traffic approaching it continue a certain distance around a part of the island before entering one of the intersecting motorways; and to prevent the left hand from turning on such highways that otherwise intersect. Overtaking – Overtaking on the right is only allowed on roads with more than two lanes moving in the same direction. If your vehicle has to leave the roadway to pass on the right, it is illegal to do so.
Cyclists – All cyclists must wear a helmet with headbands when riding on bike paths, public roads and other roads. Drivers must leave three feet of distance between their vehicle and a cyclist. It is a violation of the Federal Pollution Control Act to pump or discharge any type of oil or oily waste that causes film or discoloration or the surface of the water or sludge or emulsion below the surface of the water in navigable waters. People found with oily water in the holds of their ship must be able to prove how they intend to dispose of it according to the correct procedure. (58) `tractor` means any motor vehicle designed, constructed or used, alone or intended for the towing of other vehicles used in the construction and maintenance of roads, motorways or roads, which is not designed to weigh on it independently or as part of the weight of a vehicle or a load so towed. (52) `railway` means a carrier of passengers or goods in passenger cars other than trams running on fixed rails. School Bus – Drivers must stop at least 30 feet from a stopped bus that is loading or unloading children. Drivers on the opposite side of the four- and five-lane roads that do not have a barrier separating the two sides must also stop. (c) the intersection of an alley or entrance with a road or highway does not constitute an intersection unless the roadway or highway at that intersection is controlled by a traffic control device; (d) (i) Where a highway contains a stop line, landing line or zebra crossing that has not been identified on the carriageway within the median between the separate intersections, the two intersections and the average distance between them shall be considered as a single intersection. 1.1. `motorcycle` means a closed motorcycle equipped with safety belts, roll bars, windscreen wipers, steering wheel and equipment otherwise required for a motorcycle and which has no more than three wheels in contact with the road at the same time.
(59) `carriageway` means that part of a motorway which is improved, designed or habitually used for the use of vehicles, with the exception of the berm or shoulder. A divided highway has two or more lanes. Boaters who drive while intoxicated (DWI) with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher face the same penalties as a person who drives a vehicle while intoxicated on the highway. Penalties include suspension or withdrawal of boat privileges and driver`s licenses. Both the roadway and the waterway require a designated sober operator. (15) `shared motorway` means any motorway which is divided by a medium physical barrier or a clearly marked section of roads intended to impede the movement of vehicles. Under LRS 32:61, drivers are not allowed to exceed a speed of 55 mph unless the Ministry of Transportation and Development has specified a lower speed limit on the highway. If you are a new Louisiana resident, you must obtain a license within 30 days of confirming your residency status.
Drivers from other states, but with valid licenses, are allowed to use Louisiana roads for 90 days. (51) `private road or driveway` means any road or place which is privately owned and used by the owner and by persons who have the express or implied authorisation of the owner, but not by other persons, for journeys by vehicle. (68) `single-axle weight` means the total weight transferred from a single axle to the road. (26) (a) `intersection` means the area extending within the extension or connection of the side curbs or, otherwise, the lateral demarcation lines of the lanes of two motorways connecting at right angles or approximately, or the area where vehicles travelling on different motorways connect at a different angle; may conflict. (ii) Where a highway with a stop line, switch line or zebra crossing is designated on the carriageway at the entrance to the junction, the area within the zebra crossing or beyond the designated stop or switch line shall be part of the intersection. (22) `total weight` means the weight of a vehicle and/or a combination of vehicles without load on all axles, including the steered axle, plus the weight of any load on it. Red Lane Markings – Any road that has red markings on the sidewalk should not be entered. This could lead you to go against the traffic model. (12) `controlled access motorway` means any motorway, road or road to which the owners or residents of adjacent land and other persons have no legal right of access to it, except at such points and in a manner determined by the manner established for that motorway, road; or the roadway. Registered motor vehicles should be covered by automobile liability insurance from an insurer registered in Louisiana (LRS 32:861). However, this does not apply to agricultural, forestry or exhibition vehicles during periods when they are not used on the road or highway. Louisiana`s traffic laws are designed to improve safety on our roads.
Therefore, drivers must comply with all traffic laws. It is important to take your time and understand these laws before you take to the streets. Violations can result in a conviction, heavy fines, withdrawal of a driver`s license and other consequences. Below are some of Louisiana`s common traffic laws that residents, tourists, and car travel drivers should be aware of.